Historic school in Makhdoompur faces safety crisis

Decades-old building dilapidates as parents, teachers demand urgent repairs

MAKHDOOMPUR PAHORAN:

For generations, the Government Higher Secondary School in Makhdoompur Pahoran has served as a beacon of education for young girls in the area.

Established in 1948, the institution has educated thousands of students and remains one of the oldest educational facilities in Khanewal district.

Today, however, the historic school faces a challenge that threatens both the quality of education and the safety of its students: a rapidly deteriorating building.

The school, which provides education up to the higher secondary level, is attended by hundreds of female students. Yet many of its classrooms, walls and roofs have fallen into a state of disrepair.

Cracks in structures, aging facilities and inadequate maintenance have become a source of concern for parents, teachers and local residents, who fear that the institution may be heading toward a serious accident if urgent repairs are not undertaken.

Education is widely regarded as the foundation of social progress and national development. However, for many students at Makhdoompur Pahoran, the learning environment itself has become a challenge.

Teachers and students reportedly face difficulties conducting routine academic activities due to the poor condition of the infrastructure.

According to local sources, senior officials from the Education Department have visited the school on several occasions over the years and acknowledged the need for improvements.

During a visit in May 2026, officials reportedly expressed concern over insufficient classroom lighting and shortcomings in other basic facilities, directing that immediate remedial measures be taken.

Despite these observations, comprehensive renovation work has yet to begin.

Parents say they are increasingly worried about the condition of the building.

Mirza Yameen, whose child studies at the institution, said portions of the school have remained in poor condition for years.

He urged authorities to take practical steps before the situation worsens.

Community leaders have also joined the call for action. Local social and political figure Javed Ansari said several classrooms, boundary walls and essential facilities require immediate attention. He stressed that ensuring a safe educational environment should be a priority for both the Punjab government and the Education Department.

Beyond infrastructure concerns, the school faces another major challenge: the absence of a proper sports ground.

Students currently have limited opportunities to participate in sports and physical activities, which educators consider an essential part of a balanced education.